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ReTain tips for use 2009

Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSUCrop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

ReTain
is an ethylene blocker in apple and thus when applied delays apple
maturity. Ethylene is involved in the ripening process of apples. The
following six tips for use are to remind you of its use in apple.

ReTain is dose dependent. Cutting the rate will reduce the delay in apple maturity.

Maximum ReTain response is obtained by applying ReTain at 30 days before anticipated harvest at full rate per acre.

Reducing the rate is often performed to manage harvest and is often used on sensitive varieties, such as Gala, Jonagold.

When
temperatures are hot during August, some varieties will not respond as
expected to ReTain. This year was not a hot year, thus we predict your
normal rates should provide good results.

Reduced ReTain rates will still provide a benefit of cracking, greasiness, water core, bleeding and stop drop.

Applying
the organic silicone surfactant is required with ReTain, but the
surfactant may increase the uptake of Captan and some leaf injury may
result if Captan is applied near ReTain, (closer than four days before
or after ReTain).

Related Resources

D. E. Guyer, N. L. Schulte, E. J. Timm, and G. K. Brown | Apples on the tree are generally free of bruise damage, but after traveling through a series of handling processes, apples in the retail store often show bruises.